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Meet the experts

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Hedgerows:

What is the true value of Hedgerows? Most farmers cut their hedgerows every autumn, but one Co Tipperary farmer hasn’t cut his for 32 years. Habitats for birds and vital plant pollinators; flood protection; reduce pollution. Why cut? Why not?
The experts on hand includes:

Erin Jo Teideken, author of NBDC Pollinator Plan

Catherine Keena, Teagasc countryside management specialist

Common Agricultural Policy

The CAP is currently being reviewed with respect to new policies being introduced in 2020. The Greening of Farming is high on the list of priorities. Why is it important for Irish farmers? Why is it important for Brussels bureaucrats? Are farmers there to grow food or run a countryside theme park?
The experts on hand includes:

Professor Alan Matthews from Trinity College

Doctor Laura Devaney, expert in low carbon bioeconomy

Doctor Dara Stanley, Lecturer in Plant Ecology at NUI, Galway

Flood Management

Flooding in 2011 and early 2016 have cost Ireland millions of euros in compensation alone. Why do farms have a role to play in flood prevention? How does upland land management affect downstream flooding? What effect does peat cutting have on floods in Limerick?
5 experts are on hand including:

Caitriona Maher, European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism